Title of article :
Measuring skewness: We do not assume much
Author/Authors :
Khan, A.A Department of Statistics - Quaid-i-Azam University - Islamabad, Pakistan , Cheema, S.A Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences - Newcastle University, Australia , Hussain, Z Department of Statistics - Quaid-i-Azam University - Islamabad, Pakistan , Abdel-Salam, G.A Department of Mathematics - Statistics and Physics - Qatar University - Doha, Qatar
Abstract :
Since skewness plays a vital role in dierent engineering phenomena, its
accurate measurement gains signicance. Several measures have been taken to quantify
the extent of skewness in distributions over the years, but each measure is subject to
some serious limitations. In this regard, the present study aims to propose a new
skewness measuring functional based on distribution function evaluated at mean with
minimal assumptions and limitations. Four well-recognized properties for an appropriate
measure of skewness were veried and demonstrated for the new measure. A comparison
was made between the new measure and the conventional moment-based measure using
both functionals over the range of distributions available in the literature. Furthermore,
the robustness of the proposed measure against unusual data points was explored using
in
uence function. The mathematical ndings were veried through meticulous simulation
studies; further, they were veried by real data sets derived from diverse elds of inquiries.
As observed, compared to the classical moment-based measure, the proposed one passed
all the checks with distinction. Given the computational simplicity, applicability in a more
general environment, and preservation of c-ordering of distribution, the proposed measure
may be regarded as an attractive addition to the family of skewness measures.
Keywords :
Skewness , In uence function , Moment , Distribution function , Mean
Journal title :
Scientia Iranica(Transactions E: Industrial Engineering)